Configuration of an autonomous decentralized Sdigital factory using product and machine agents

Abstract

The configuration of an autonomous decentralized manufacturing system using multi agent technology is proposed to get more flexibility. In this digital factory, all elements such as machine tool, assembly machine, AGV, and product are installed as agents. The product agents take the initiatives in the system. When a blank workpiece is put on the shop floor, the product agent is dynamically generated with the product model. The product agent can autonomously plan the manufacturing process and the allocation of machines for the production of the final product through negotiations with other product agents and machine agents. The trial implementation of product agents and machine tool agents has been done by structuring a virtual machining system. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing.